Farewell HUGS at the BSP

Scotland, hosted by the University of Glasgow from 7–9 April. The conference featured the final presentation from the Hybridisation in UroGenital Schistosomiasis (HUGS) study, delivered by Prof. Janelisa Musaya. Her talk, entitled Are schistosome hybrids an emerging public health threat? Insights from the Malawi HUGS project, explored the role of shared water bodies as hotspots for human–animal–snail transmission and highlighted the need to integrate hybrid surveillance and One Health approaches into schistosomiasis control programmes.

The wider BSP programme was well attended by members of both the HUGS study and the current SHIS-CAM study. Posters and presentations covered a diverse range of topics, including snail–schistosome dynamics (Sam Jones), female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) surveillance in Liberia (Ayesha Bell-Gam Woto), schistosomiasis in chimpanzees (Alexandra Juhász), and an introduction to the SHIS-CAM study alongside early results showing a prevalence of S. bovis molecular markers in approximately 90% of schistosome-positive urine filters (Lucas J. Cunningham). Broader One Health helminth research included studies on strongyloidiasis, such as efforts to identify potential serodiagnostic targets for Strongyloides fuelleborni (Alyssa Winder), and a review of strongyloidiasis in baboon populations, exploring the potential for infections to cross the human–animal interface (Ruth Cowlishaw).

The wider schistosome research community also delivered several outstanding presentations. Of particular note was Prof. Tim Anderson’s talk, “Molecular surveillance for Praziquantel resistance in African schistosome populations.” Recent research has identified the molecular target of praziquantel (PZQ) as a transient receptor potential ion channel of the melastatin family (TRPMPZQ). Building on this discovery, Prof. Anderson conducted field surveillance for drug-resistance alleles—previously identified through in vitro cell-based assays—across several West and East African countries. This work led to the identification of a potentially fully resistant allele (Q1651H) in S. haematobium miracidial samples from two adjacent villages in Côte d’Ivoire. A second TRPMPZQ mutation (R1843Q), known to reduce PZQ efficacy, was also found to be present—though at low frequencies—in West African S. mansoni populations.

Dr Bonnie Webster also delivered an engaging presentation on the transmission of Schistosoma bovis on Pemba Island (Zanzibar), concluding that active livestock schistosomiasis transmission is occurring on the island. However, ongoing molecular analyses will be required to clarify species and strain composition, providing a clearer understanding of the broader epidemiological impact that livestock schistosomiasis may have in Zanzibar.

Overall, this year’s BSP Spring Meeting provided an excellent platform for sharing new insights into schistosome biology, transmission, and control, while highlighting the growing importance of integrated One Health approaches. The final presentation from the HUGS study marked a significant milestone, showcasing the impact of four years of collaborative, multidisciplinary research on understanding hybrid schistosomes and their potential public health implications in Malawi. As new projects such as SHIS-CAM continue to build on this foundation, the future of schistosomiasis research remains dynamic and collaborative, with continued advances in molecular surveillance, diagnostics, and cross-species transmission studies likely to shape the next phase of control strategies. So, watch this space as we look forward to presenting the SHIS-CAM study findings over the coming years.